Toyota Camry 2020 Review

Toyota Camry 2020 - Now with Android Auto Compatibility

The award-winning evergreen front-drive mid-size sedan features a new touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility as standard. The improvement is great news for Android phone users, considering that its previous multimedia system only worked with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa.

SiriusXM digital radio is also now standard across the range.

When it comes to styling, the Japan-built Camry looks just like the previous model year. Toyota has just made major tweaks for the car in 2018. An anticipated substantial mid-life update for the upcoming 2021 model has also been announced. Caught in between these two major upgrades, it makes sense that the company did not bother making significant changes to this year's Camry.

Nevertheless, the pricing for the car has increased by $500 due to fluctuations in Australia’s weakening dollar.

Toyota Camry 2020 Aggregated Reviews

WhichCar.com.au - 4/5
ProductReview.com.au - 4.2/5
CarExpert.com.au (SL Hybrid) - 8.2/10
CarsGuide.com.au (SL Hybrid) - 8.1/10
CarAdvice.com.au (SL) - 8/10

We Love

• Addition of Android Auto connectivity
• Digital radio is standard on all models
• Option for hybrid power
• Fuel-efficient hybrid model
• Responsive hybrid drivetrain
• Good storage space
• Good handling and balance

Pain Points

• Sluggish V6 engine
• Stiff ride on big-wheeled SX and SL
• Sunroof significantly reduces headroom
• Space-saver spare tyre on all models except entry-level Ascent
• Price increase

Exterior

Source: toyota.com

Generally, there are not much styling tweaks for the latest Camry model. Designed to look sleeker and “more seductive” since 2017, its exterior has since gotten rid of the formerly gaping grill for a new angular, purposefully flowing front-end that matches with its rear spoiler tipped tail.

There are seven hues to choose from but the only standard colour.

As for the tyres, the cheaper models have 17-inch alloy wheels while the top-spec SL and SX have 18- and 19-inch wheels respectively. The bigger wheels with lower-profile tyres may look sportier but ride more roughly. Also, only the entry-level model has a full-size spare wheel; The others have space-saving temporary spares.

Exterior features that are standard across the range include:

• Electrically adjustable rearview mirrors with side indicators
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• Front and rear auto power-operated windows

Meanwhile, the top-spec SL has Panoramic full glass roof, electric tilt and slide moonroof, and rain-sensing wipers.

As a medium-sized sedan, the Camry’s dimension of 4885-4905mm length x 1840mm width x 1445mm height is substantial.

Interior

Source: toyota.com

Inside, the car offers plenty of comfort and entertainment from its many standard-across-the-lineup features:

• Driver’s seat power-adjustable lumbar support
• 60/40 split-fold rear seats
• Folding rear seat centre armrest
• Auto-levelling headlamps
• 12V power accessory socket
• Lockable glove box
• Centre console with sliding lid (7.3L)
• Eight beverage holders located in the front centre console, front and rear doors, and rear centre armrest

The car also provides up to 524 litres of storage space, which is more than enough for daily drivers.

Except for the entry-level Ascent, all models have dual-zone automatic climate control air conditioning, smart entry and start system, premium steering wheel, and an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat.

Top-spec models have seat ventilation for driver and front passenger, leather accented seats, intelligent ambient illumination in the console and footwell, driver’s seat memory function, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Source: toyota.com

All MY20 Camry models have a multi-information display that provides real-time trip, road and vehicle data information and a touchscreen multimedia with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.

The display, however, differs in sizes and capabilities with the entry-level Ascent only sporting a 4.2-inch display and 7-inch colour touchscreen multimedia while the rest have a 7-inch display and 8-inch colour touchscreen.

Other standard features across the range are the:

• Digital Radio
• Single CD player, AUX input and USB input
• Bluetooth connectivity
• Mobile Assistant with Siri Eyes Free and Google Now
• Voice recognition, Miracast, myToyota
• Steering wheel audio controls

Except for the entry-level Ascent, all models have satellite navigation with SUNA live traffic while three USB ports and wireless phone charger are exclusively available on the SX and SL models. The connected navigation system also simultaneously show road information and route guidance onto the vehicle's dual displays. This comes with a free navigation map upgrades for three years.

The Toyota Safety Sense technology is available on all models. This suite of safety features include:

• Lane Departure Alert,
• Pre-Collision Safety System with pedestrian detection,
• Automatic High Beam
• All-Speed Active Cruise Control

Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is available only on the top-spec SL.

What's it like to drive a Toyota Camry 2020?

Source: toyota.com

The car has a large and tough body that provides a feeling of security. Its ride height is also good enough to provide ample frontward visibility. However, a taller driver might find its front headroom a little limited.

While driving on highway speed, less noise and vibrations can be felt. However, at lower speeds, a whirring noise can be heard.

The steering and transmission are seamless and smooth although the shift from the electric motor to the petrol engine can be noticed, especially with the occasional grumbling sensation.

The car’s tight turning circle makes parking and handling easy. The limited rear visibility, however, can be a little challenging. It can also be tough to gauge where the car’s nose and tail ended in tight spots. Also, the reverse sensors are not exactly intuitive and the reverse camera is low-res.

Nevertheless, the standard safety suite across the Camry range is impressive. The additional front and rear clearance sensors in the higher grades and the blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert that are exclusive in the SL model are additional great safety features to be relied upon.

Who’s the Toyota Camry 2020 for?

The Camry is perfect for drivers who love driving upmarket cars for less. The many features provided by this trusty yet affordable car, even in its entry-level model, is both practical and sensible.

The comfortable and well-equipped is also excellent for its price. Add to that the fact it’s a hybrid and suddenly it becomes a purchase that adds up.